Third Ward Community Housing focuses on addressing the basic needs of the Third Ward community through affordable, accessible, safe, and sustainable housing. Rooted in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the project prioritizes food security, safety, and job creation to foster a stronger sense of community and opportunity.
Our research highlights the historical inequality in the Third Ward, where access to housing, transportation, and food has been limited. The area is a food desert with low car access, creating barriers to meeting basic needs. Our design integrates urban agriculture, utilizing sunlight for optimal crop growth and creating a cyclical compost system involving both human and chicken waste. This system not only addresses food scarcity but also contributes to local markets, promoting economic opportunities.
Safety is enhanced through thoughtful lighting, while the overall design reflects the modular and communal aspects of Third Ward’s historic row houses. The Columbia Tap Trail is central to connecting the site to the wider community, expanding access to green spaces, markets, and transportation options.
By addressing the immediate needs of food, safety, and affordability, the project lays the foundation for a thriving, connected, and self-sustaining community.
